ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes the process industries and the characteristics that make lean application challenging. It explains differences in material flow patterns and dynamics that require adaptations of traditional lean approaches. The book deals with the eight wastes commonly described in lean books, and how they manifest themselves in process operations. It describes how to read and analyze a process value stream map (VSM), what can be learned from the material flow and the information flow portion of the map, and how and when to develop the future state VSM. The book explains the use of single-minute exchange of dies techniques to reduce changeover time and losses. It introduces the concept of 5S, which may seem deceptively simple, but can be very powerful in creating positive change and in engaging the workforce.
